New to the forum...

[GR8_Outdoorsman]

Well, I have officially been bitten by the surf fishing bug! I primarily bass fish on Sam Rayburn, but I am looking to change it up a bit. I live so close to the coast, that I figured I could hit the surf in the evenings after work and on the weekends that I don't feel like making the drive up to my camp on the lake.
I have done a little research on rods and reels and went through with the purchases this week. I bought two 10 ft American Rodsmiths rods from Academy, I ordered two Daiwa SL-X50SHA reels on eBay the day before yesterday, went to Lowes and bought the PVC to make rod holders, and I bought all of my own leader making materials. I have had a pretty good time making several different types of leaders, I am just ready to thry them out! I can't wait for the reels to get here. I was thinking that I would just spool the entire reel with 30lb Big Game High Vis. Is this a good line? Or do you guys have any other suggestions? I also plan on putting a 50-60lb top shot on of mono.
I used to do a little surf fishing in the Holly Beach area of Louisiana when I lived there while going to college. Had some really good trips there with Bull Reds and Blacktips and I looking forward to seeing what I can pull out of the water in the Galveston/Freeport area.
I look forward to being a member of this forum!

Take care, and always leave at least two in the water for breeding purposes!!!! ;)

[bmcox86]

welcome to the madness
looks like u jumped right into it buying some good stuff, i reccomend posting this in the open board so u can get more responses, but i think 30lb hi vis will work great

[hokieboy]

Welcome to the gang. BTW what kinda fish u goin for with those big of reels... That will help with the lb test of line that would be best...

[GR8_Outdoorsman]

Thanks for the advice, I'll duplicate this post in the open forum.

As far as types of fish, I'll be targeting reds, jacks, and decent sized sharks if I can get the bait in front of them! They are definitely larger reels than anything that I have used in the past, but they had pretty good reviews and recommendations on the surf-masters forum.

[hokieboy]

Do u plan on yakkin the baits out b/c i know those are very difficult to cast?

[GR8_Outdoorsman]

No plans on yakkin out the baits at this time. But several others on the surf-masters forum said that these are great casting reels as the spool disengages from the gearing when casting. They also have cetrifugal brakes that you snap on to the side of the spool. I guess that I'll find out soon enough though!

[hokieboy]

I just think it would be tough to control the line with a spool that big. Course where theres a will theres a way. If your yakkin them out u will b fine. Good luck and let us know how you do...

[Catfish713]

yo bro I already introduced myself in the opern forum greeting but I just wanted to say welcome again and I am thrilled to have another Texas boy Keep em comming!!! Tight lines and God bless. <>< <>< <><

p.s. By the way hokieboy you just have to palm the reel instead of controlling the line with your thumb for those big ones.

[~FLYCAT~]

Welcome to the forum, dont be afraid to ask the questions, we have a great group of very knowledgeable persons to help with anything you might want to know.

[Team Buddhahead]

Always nice to get new members......:)